Raiola, 35, is arguably coming off his best professional season. He graded as one of the top players at his position by football analytics website Pro Football Focus and was named an All-Pro by a multiple national analysts, including Sports Illustrated's Doug Farrar and ESPN's John Clayton.

Raiola, selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Lions, has spent his entire 13-year career with the organization. He took a significant pay cut to remain with the team last year, reducing his base salary $3 million.

It is being reported Raiola will receive a significant raise from his $1 million salary last season.

New Lions coach Jim Caldwell praised the importance of the center while at the Senior Bowl last month.

"At the center position, you have to be smart," Caldwell said. "You have to be a guy that has a good understanding what's going on offensively. You have to have leadership qualities. You have to be able to be a quick thinker. You have to be able to handle so many different things."

At the time, Caldwell wasn't ready to comment on the Lions' personnel situations, but he had a clear understanding of what Raiola brought to the table.

"Obviously, we know he's a talented guy," Caldwell said. "He had an outstanding year last year. He's a veteran guy that has great leadership qualities."